Chapter 346: Fine Clothes and Powerful Horses (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 346: Fresh Blood and Furious Horses (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The hour of Mao had just passed its midpoint.

The eastern sky broke into dawn, light gradually brightening as that full moon slowly dimmed.

Chen Yì exhaled a long, white plume of breath, all spiritual power consolidated within the three great meridians.

The dantian’s spiritual sea churned like quicksilver, spiraling in motion.

The lower sea of qi surged like a mountain’s might, unmoving in its solemn authority.

Within the palate’s acupoint, four divine beasts on the spirit throne assumed varied postures, silently drawing in spiritual essence.

Though Chen Yì had already completed the Xuanwu Calming and Suppressing Technique to consolidate his energy, this cultivation method was extraordinary—meticulously absorbing the world’s vital forces through every pore and thread.

It refined his being imperceptibly, elevating his cultivation.

Like a trickle of water shaping stone over time, it built might from countless drops.

Without such refinement, he would not have ascended his cultivation to the middle of the fourth rank in merely twelve days.

Chen Yì rose, stretching his limbs. His body felt light, his spirit clear.

He clenched his fists, sensing his five senses sharpened, his eyes brighter than before, murmuring inwardly:

"The refinement of ‘shen’ intention sharpens control over the body’s finer aspects."

Where the lower three ranks forged body and bone, the middle three cultivated mastery over one’s full strength.

From bones and sinews to acupoints and hair—everywhere the mind’s command could gather qi and spirit, enabling strikes, power expenditure, and defense.

As Chen Yì’s cultivation deepened, his understanding of martial path grew profound.

The upper three ranks required no thought—cultivating ‘shen’ to harmonize with the world’s forces, amplifying technique’s might.

Beyond that, the masters, grandmasters, even the legendary land immortals transcended mortal imagination.

"Perhaps Bai Da Sheng and Ye Guanyin dwell in those realms… land immortality?"

Chen Yì scoffed inwardly. Even these two, their power unrivaled, were still old souls.

Ye Guanyin dared threaten Xiao Jinghong to challenge others in martial arts and drink Bai Wangjiu? That Bai Da Sheng schemed from the shadows? Not trustworthy folk.

If only he’d known then—he’d never have ventured to the East Market to watch the performance.

Though he’d gained the chance for the Heaven-Shaking Crumbling Peak Fist, the troubles that followed were inevitable.

He sighed, shedding his robes, retrieving the scholar’s fine silk attire prepared by Xiao E. He dressed meticulously.

The wide sleeves and flowing hem, the crown upright, the sash tight at the waist, the boots at his feet.

At first glance, he resembled a handsome young scholar.

Yet—

Chen Yì scrutinized his reflection in the copper mirror, his expression subtly shifting. The refined qualities of scholarly pursuits, martial practice, chess mastery, and artistic cultivation all receded.

Though his temperament remained free and untroubled, when his chest swelled with confidence, an unspoken assurance radiated from him.

This did not align with the gentle, bookish persona of his in-laws.

It was glaringly discordant.

After confirming this, he adjusted his attire and entered the hall.

Xiao E had just laid the meal on the table. Hearing his footsteps, she turned, letting out a little cry:

"Master, you’ve already washed up. Xiao E still wishes to prepare breakfast before calling you down."

Chen Yì smiled, nodding lightly: "Better to rise early, so we might reach the exam grounds in time."

He sat at the table, glancing around, then commanded: "Summon Pei Yonglu."

During his night practice in Purple Bamboo Grove, he’d noticed the Tiger Girl’s cultivation method—her efforts were diligent.

Xiao E glanced at the dishes, rooted her feet, and said: "Master, the kitchen prepared many delicious dishes today, plenty for your examination."

That worried little munchkin looked just like she feared he’d sneak a bite herself—you brought so many treats, leaving breakfast for Xiao E?

Chen Yì saw through her concern, helplessly smiling: "Hurry and fetch it. The food’s gone cold."

"Ah."

She laughed, nodded, and dashed off down the wooden corridor.

Chen Yì chuckled softly. No matter how long he’d known her, Xiao E remained that hungry little girl.

Not long after, Pei Yonglu bounded up beside him, her eyes sparkling as she examined his appearance:

"Brother, you still look quite the bookish fellow."

Xiao E set down bowls and chopsticks for both, chiming in: "Pei Sister, he was always a scholar."

"Indeed, indeed…"

Pei Yonglu sat beside Chen Yì, blinking at him playfully—as if to say, "Xiao E doesn’t know I know."

Chen Yì waved dismissively, coaxing a small tongue from her, then spoke:

"The examinations begin in two days. You two shall remain in the manor. When the exam gates open tomorrow, the manor’s elite troops will fetch you."

Xiao E nodded obediently.

Pei Yonglu had already planned ahead, her eyes twinkling: "Brother, I’d like to accompany you outside. I wish to visit Ji Shi Pharmacy."

Chen Yì understood. He bowed slightly: "Go, but don’t trouble the pharmacy."

He suddenly recalled an omen—the divine physician from Ji Zhou who’d inquired about Ji Shi Pharmacy—subtly cautioning:

"Recently, many martial figures have arrived in Shu Zhou. Stay calm, avoid trouble."

"Rest assured. I won’t bully those beneath me."

Bully those beneath me?

Chen Yì chuckled inwardly—this was true.

With the ethnic group’s foothold in Shu Zhou, outsiders dared not provoke Pei Yonglu.

They feared those like the Five Poison Sect, without foresight.

After some light banter.

They finished breakfast.

Chen Yì went to his study to organize writing tools, paper, and ink, taking Xiao E’s prepared snacks with him. He stepped outside.

Pei Yonglu followed closely.

At the appointed time, they entered the grounds. The examination period ran from Sizi to Wuzi, ending at 3:15 PM when it commenced.

The hour was yet early, so Chen Yi felt no need to rush.

Stepping out of the Spring Lotus Garden, he saw Shen Huatang already waiting with the carriage at the gate of the Jiaxing Courtyard, and after a brief thought, he walked over.

A short moment later.

Xiao Wan'er approached, accompanied by Xie Tingyun, and catching sight of him from afar, a gentle smile graced her face.

"Today is your annual examination, brother-in-law. I wish you every success."

Perhaps because she was to discuss the matter of the academy's headmaster with Cui Qingwu, she had adorned herself slightly today.

An elegant printed cloak enveloped her form, her feet clad in brocade shoes of green silk, her face touched with a light dusting of powder, and her eyes shone like the stars and the moon.

She possessed a beauty beyond description, possessing a dignified and grand demeanor that drew all gazes.

Chen Yi lingered his gaze for a moment longer. "I thank you for your auspicious words, eldest sister."

Xiao Wan'er noticed his gaze, a flicker of shyness passing through her eyes, yet she did not avert her eyes as she once used to, saying directly:

"The hour grows late, brother-in-law had best hasten to the examination grounds."

"I have already instructed Guard Wang yesterday to await you in the front courtyard; you may go seek him there."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile and waved his farewell.

After taking a few steps, he turned back and said, "I shall speak with Ma Liangcai in a short while, eldest sister may rest easy."

"Furthermore, the letter written to my wife has been placed in the study; eldest sister may send it along when the time comes."

Xiao Wan'er uttered a soft murmur of assent, and without further words, she waved her delicate, porcelain hand, gesturing for him to take his leave first.

Chen Yi said no more, nodding with a smile in parting, and led Pei Guanli toward the central courtyard.

Pei Guanli did not forget to look back and wave to Xiao Wan'er and the others who stood watching, her smile full of playful charm.

Xiao Wan'er smiled faintly, and only when she saw the two of them step out of the rear courtyard did she ascend the carriage, commanding:

"Tingyun, inform Cui'er that she is to deliver the letter to Butler Lu at noon, and ask Butler Lu to dispatch someone to carry it to my second sister."

"Understood..." Xie Tingyun took her command and remained behind for the moment, while Shen Huatang pulled the reins at the proper juncture, the carriage wheels rumbling into motion.

Through the narrow parting of the curtain, Xiao Wan'er gazed toward the central courtyard, her hands intertwining unconsciously.

She prayed that her brother-in-law's annual examination would proceed smoothly and according to his desires, not asking that he claim the top three places, but only that he might preserve his scholar's degree.

In the Great Wei Dynasty, the status of literati was exalted; even though Chen Yi was now a husband wedded into the Xiao family, he could still receive some preferential treatment.

Whether within the manor or in the world outside hereafter, Chen Yi could command the respect of others.

Should he lose his scholarly degree, even if he served as an instructor at the Guiyun Academy, he would inevitably suffer the wagging tongues of the populace.

Xiao Wan'er naturally did not wish to witness such a scene.

Though she well knew Chen Yi's capabilities, the martial path was entirely distinct from the imperial examinations, and no matter how brilliantly an essay was penned, it still required the favor of the examiner's eye.

In the two centuries of the Great Wei Dynasty's reign, no small number of such injustices had come to pass.

Chen Yi was naturally oblivious to Xiao Wan'er's anxieties as he and Pei Guanli made their way through the long corridors toward the central courtyard, chatting and laughing.

From afar, he spotted Zhang Xuan, the Duke of Qi, conversing with two middle-aged guards, their faint words drifting over:

"...The appearance of the Japanese pirates in Shu Province is no small matter; maintain a close watch on their movements, and report immediately upon any discovery."

"Understood..."

By the time Chen Yi passed by, the two guards had already walked far into the distance, so he smiled and bowed to the turning Zhang Xuan:

"Lord Duke of Qi."

Pei Guanli followed his example, offering a rather clumsy, unrefined fist-salute: "Grandfather Duke of Qi."

Upon seeing the two of them, the gravity on Zhang Xuan's face instantly dissolved into a countenance brimming with smiles. "Ah, Qingzhou, and the Pei girl."

He had previously resided in the Xiao manor for several months, and later, in his quest to obtain Chen Yi's birthday congratulatory poem, he had deliberately frequented the Spring Lotus Garden, making him quite familiar with them both.

"Are you two bound for... the annual examination?"

"Last night, that old trickster Xiao Yuan mentioned it."

Just as Chen Yi was about to exchange a few pleasantries with him, the laughing, mock-reproachful voice of the old master of the Xiao family echoed from behind:

"Accusing this old man of trickery? It was clearly your own meager tolerance for wine, you old scoundrel."

Zhang Xuan bristled at him, his brows knit. "This old man's tolerance is meager? We shall contest it again today!"

The old master of the Xiao family naturally refused to yield, accepting the challenge with a few harmless yet sharp retorts before turning his gaze to Chen Yi:

"Qingzhou, the annual examination is of no small import... see that you perform well."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. "This grandson-in-law shall certainly exert his utmost efforts."

Old Master Xiao discreetly appraised Chen Yi, yet whether observing from afar or near, or probing with his true essence, he could discern no trace of the martial path upon his body.

He muttered a few silent calculations to himself, his mind easing slightly, yet he still intended to find an occasion later to personally test him.

After a brief exchange of courtesies.

Chen Yi was finally able to board the carriage with Pei Guanli and set off for the examination grounds.

Old Master Xiao and Duke Zhang returned to the quiet residence, ordering breakfast and wine to be prepared as they conversed idly.

"This grandson-in-law of yours is truly extraordinary now."

"Oh? Has Qingzhou's renown already reached the Guangyue Prefecture?"

Zhang Xuan wore an expression that suggested the other was feigning ignorance after reaping a grand fortune, snorting:

"Setting aside that piece 'Prelude to Water Melody', the single scroll of calligraphy presented at this old man's birthday feast is sufficient to make Qingzhou famous throughout Guangyue Prefecture."

"Had this old man not deliberately put out the word, the threshold of your Xiao manor would have long since been trampled to pieces by those old rascals of Guangyue."

"And for what reason?"

"For what reason? For your grandson-in-law's calligraphy, of course."

"Originally, some claimed this old man was merely wealthy and foolish, spending a thousand pieces of gold for a single character from some unknown writer, but now... heh, who does not say this old man's coin was well spent?"

Hearing the underlying meaning in his words.

Old Master Xiao's hand, holding his chopsticks, paused mid-air as he looked at him and inquired, "A thousand pieces of gold for a single character? You bought it?"

The triumphant expression on Zhang Xuan's face grew slightly unnatural, and he snorted, "You refused to demand Qingzhou's calligraphy on this old man's behalf, so is this old man forbidden from purchasing a scroll?"

"This old man means to ask, does Qingzhou currently possess such silver in his hands?"

"Indeed, what of it? You... you surely wouldn't..."

Old Master Xiao placed the food into his mouth and nodded, saying, "Since he possesses such a talent, it may as well be put to practical use."

Setting aside for the moment whether Chen Yi was indeed the "Dragon-Tiger" Liu Wu, he could now devise a way to acquire a few more scrolls of Chen Yi's calligraphy.

Even if they were not offered for sale, merely preserving them within the family vaults would secure a significant fortune for the Xiao family in the days to come.

Zhang Xuan understood his intent, pointing at him with a laughing curse: "You old scoundrel, you truly harbor no good intentions."

"If Chen Xuanji ever learns that his son is being used by you as a mere craftsman of ink and brush, he will surely make you regret it."

Old Master Xiao offered no further explanation, turning the conversation instead to Chen Xuanji:

It is you who should be concerned. When the timely distribution of funds in Jiangnan Prefecture faltered, you wrote several letters scolding him for his disloyalty and treachery.

Do I fear him?

Pah—he is a first-grade military commissioner, while I am a duke of the realm, hereditary and unchallenged. Our status and rank far surpass his.

Zhang Xuan’s words were tough, yet he was well aware of the considerable power wielded by Chen Xuanji in his position as military commissioner. Not to mention the inspection of border troops, even the mere promotion of officers and the enlistment of new armies could make the garrisons and fortresses across the land bow their heads.

One misstep.

When rewards are within reach but not grasped, when promotions are halted, it inevitably sows discord among the troops. Xiao Yotai understood these matters well. His smile faded slightly as he pondered, “When Chen Xuanji first returned to Dadi, once he seized power, he would surely take some action; we must treat him with caution.”

Zhang Xuan poured wine for both of them, no longer being defiant: “Indeed, we should be more cautious.”

“On the way here, I heard that Chen Xuanji’s inspection this time was quite significant. Besides him and the Ministry of War, Cui Mei and Chu Chengxuan would also send people to follow.”

He looked at Xiao Yotai, his tone grave: “They oversee the promotions of officials, both high and low, and manage the treasury of the Dadi court. Neither is a kind person.”

Xiao Yotai lifted his wine cup, his mind conjuring the image of Chu Chengxuan. “As for Cui Mei, let’s set that aside for now. Chu Chengxuan must be taken precautions.”

“The selection of officials often targets those in civil service, while the military ministers are mainly under Chen Xuanji, but the military supplies for the border troops all pass through Chu Chengxuan.”

“Indeed, Chu Chengxuan is a tricky fellow, both in appearance and in reality. It’s hard to say he won’t act behind the scenes.”

Zhang Xuan finished his wine and hummed, “I once suspected it was him who betrayed Fengchun, but it turned out to be the insignificant Liu Hong.”

Xiao Yotai’s expression turned slightly cold upon hearing this: “This matter hasn’t been decided yet.”

“Oh?”

“I suspect that behind Liu Hong… there is someone else!”

Zhang Xuan’s expression changed, looking at him: “What?”

“I suspect the one who ordered Liu Hong to do these things is… Chu Chengxuan!”

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Chen Yi rode in a carriage to the outside of Tunnan Street.

At this time, outside the examination hall was a long queue of hundreds of scholars in their long robes, waiting to enter.

Chen Yi lifted the curtain and looked outside.

Most of these scholars were alone in their robes, but some had attendant scholar-children, standing with their heads tilted back outside the hall, allowing the surrounding people to gaze admiringly.

The wind and splendor were unmatched, their bright clothes and fierce horses.

Chen Yi glanced at them, then signaled Wang Li-xing and Liu Si-er to stop their horses, and told Pei Wulü: “Later, have them bring you to Jishi Pharmacy, don’t wander about.”

Earlier on the way here, he had already written some instructions in Pei Wulü’s palm, mainly about how to educate Yuan Liusi. But he was still a bit worried about the vigor of Hu Xiaotou.

Pei Wulü understood this, nodding repeatedly: “Brother, rest assured.”

Chen Yi saw that the time was late, so he said no more, took the items, dismounted the carriage, and walked towards the end of the queue. Before long, some noise arose around him.

“Scholar, met the Master of Light Boat.”

“Master of Light Boat…”